Description

Unlike heat and smoke, detection of fumes is not automated and there is consequently considerable variation both in their detection and the description of fumes by air crew. Also, with the imposition of the locked flight deck door, the language of descriptive communication from cabin crew to flight crew about detected fumes in the passenger cabin has become particularly important.

Detection

Fumes may be visible in the form of a haze, but detection of fumes is usually by smell, irritation of the eyes or skin, or effects such as headaches or dizziness.